John Hansen, M.D., Program Head
The goal of this program is to understand the biological functions of the human major histocompatibility complex (HLA). Studies are focused on the identification of new genes within HLA, the role of HLA polymorphism in GVHD and graft failure, interactions that occur between HLA molecules and T cells, T cell activation and the role of accessory molecules in immune responses, and the mechanisms by which immunological tolerance or T cell anergy can be achieved. Two program components have direct applications that interact directly with the overall clinical research division activity: (1) investigations of genetic determinants relevant to transplantation (clinical histocompatibility), and (2) development of preclinical models, both in vitro and in vivo, and clinical trials for using monoclonal antibodies to facilitate sustained engraftment of donor bone marrow and prevent or treat GVHD (T cell biology).
Research areas include:
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